ISHPEMING — Megan Marta and Lexi Olson scored in bunches early to make sure the Westwood girls basketball team started its season on the right foot on Monday night.

The pair combined to score 44 points as the Patriots downed Jeffers 63-43 at the Westwood gym.

Both did a majority of their scoring damage in the first half.

Marta, a junior, scored 16 of her-game 24 points in the opening two quarters, making a half-dozen baskets and 4 of 4 free throws then. She finished the night sinking all six of her free-throw tries.

And Olson, a sophomore, put in 12 of her 20 points in the first half, also making six baskets before intermission.

That helped the Patriots race to leads of 19-12 after one quarter and 36-26 at halftime.

Westwood also added seven points to its lead in the third quarter, building the advantage to 52-35 entering the final period. Olson was instrumental then, as she made her two 3-pointers in the third.

Next highest scorer for the Patriots was Kaylin Doney, who had nine points.

Sara Johnson led Jeffers with 23 points, which included 14 first-half points. She made a pair of triples and sank 7 of 8 free throws.

Westwood hits the road for a game at Kingsford at 7:30 p.m. EST Friday.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.